Course Timetable for Monday: Fall of 2012

Morning Courses

09:00 to 11:00

This course offers an opportunity to explore the history of the Christian Church from its origins in Judaism through to its monastic expansion beyond the boundaries of the Western Roman Empire in the sixth and seventh centuries.It will examine the conflicts, individuals, social movements and theologies that shaped Christianity during this formative period. Two Document Analyses, Seminar Presentation, Seminar Paper, Final Examination.

9:00 to 11:00

This final year Knox course aims to bring together various elements of the courses done by students as a final year integrative exercise. Prerequisite: TFE placement. Lectures. Assignments and major paper.

09:00 to 11:00

A critical survey of papal thought from Leo XIII's emphasis on workers' rights to John Paul II's focus on the broader theme of human rights. Reflection papers and book report, or major paper, exam. Prerequisite: Introductory course in moral theology.

11:00 to 13:00

An examination of the idea of self in Hinduism and Islam through representative contemporary thinkers Rabindranath Tagore and Muhammad Iqbal respectively. How is self understood? What is its relation to the ideas of person and personal identity? What are the philosophical and theological presuppositions of the idea of self? Answers are supplemented by classical and other contemporary writings of the religious tradition in question, thereby accessing the worldview associated with that tradition. Introductory lecture, weekly student presentations and discussions or assigned readings. Prerequisite: a course in theology or philosophy of religion. Requirements: Class participation and presentations 10% (weeks 2-12); Report/Critique (due 4th week) 15%; Midterm class test (week 7) 25%; Essay (due last week) 50%.

Several issues in Johannine scholarship will be explored in depth, among them the following: (1) the Fourth Gospel and the Synoptics; (2) historicity of the Fourth Gospel; (3) the Johannine community and its historical situation; (4) the Fourth Gospel and other Christian traditions; (5) Johannine language and symbolism; (6) post-modern interpretations of the FG; (7) the FG and "the Jews"; (8) the FG and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Lectures, discussions and class participation; final paper. Requirements: Reading knowledge of koine Greek.

This course examines the recovery and renewal of Trinitarian doctrine and theology since the turn of the twentieth century with a broad focus upon Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox theologians; the reexamination of the doctrine's sources in Scripture through theological exegesis and current trends in its formulations. The course will proceed along a lecture / discussion format, with readings from relevant literature. Assignments will include short reflection papers and a research paper.

Philosophical method for a theology of beauty. This course takes Balthasar's assessment of the loss of beauty as a context to survey the implications for the loss of beauty and the conditions for its recovery. Philosophical issues such as the nature of beauty, aesthetic experience/ perception, aesthetic judgements, the beauty of God/ Christ, and other cultural notions of beauty will be considered. Investigate Lonergan's philosophy as basis for theological aesthetics.

This course will examine the key theological, mystical and philosophical notions of music that are of essential significance in relation to the history of Christian music from ancient to modern. Topics covered will include the relations of music and language, music and morality, music and monasticism, music and magic, the connection of music, body and spirit, and the musical syncretism of the so-called secular and the sacred. Class participation, major essay, final examination.

This course is the first of two courses designed to introduce the student to the basics of biblical Hebrew grammar and syntax. It is intended for both those who wish to acquire Hebrew for use in ministry and for those who intend to go on to advanced academic degrees. Lecture. Evaluation will include quizzes, workbook exercises, mid-term and final exams.

This course is designed for first year AD students in Scripture and Theology. It seeks to acquaint the student with major questions about and appreoaches to the theological meaning of Scripture in contemporary scholarship in the fields of Scripture and Theology, through the study of two key figures and their context, Brevard Childs and Robert Jenson. Seminar format, with some lecture and significant discussion, based on common readings. Attendance, reading, weekly precis, discussion (55%) and a major research paper (45%).

A study of the basis of sexuality and marriage and select related issues in light of the Catholic moral tradition. Readings, lectures, discussions, paper, mid-term test, final exam; the course will also include a limited online component. (Prerequisite: Fundamental Christian Ethics I and II or Permission of Instructor)

This course will examine the key theological, mystical and philosophical notions of music that are of essential significance in relation to the history of Christian music from ancient to modern. Topics covered will include the relations of music and language, music and morality, music and monasticism, music and magic, the connection of music, body and spirit, and the musical syncretism of the so-called secular and the sacred. Class participation, major essay, final examination.

Philosophical method for a theology of beauty. This course takes Balthasar's assessment of the loss of beauty as a context to survey the implications for the loss of beauty and the conditions for its recovery. Philosophical issues such as the nature of beauty, aesthetic experience/ perception, aesthetic judgements, the beauty of God/ Christ, and other cultural notions of beauty will be considered. Investigate Lonergan's philosophy as basis for theological aesthetics.

Survey of New Testament world, authors, theologies. Introduction to the historical-critical and other methods of exegesis. Focus on the relation of hermeneutic to Christian Theological traditions; determining the senses of Scripture, the intent of the author, the structures in the texts; stance of the reader. Lecture/Discussion; paper; mid-term and final exam.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of two central Christian doctrines - the Trinity and the person of Christ - as well as reflection on the role of Holy Scripture and the nature of theology. This is the first part of a two-part sequence in basic Christian doctrine. Lectures, tutorial discussions generated by students' questions, question and answer periods. Short papers, final take-home exam. Tutorial 10-11 am.

This course provides practice analyzing and translating early Christian and Jewish Greek texts, and interpreting them with respect to their literary and social contexts. Lecture, discussion. Quizzes, exegetical assignment, final exam.

Introduction to Judaism through study of the Sabbath and festivals of the Jewish year. Designed for Christians, enables students to teach and to preach from an understanding of our Jewish roots. Readings, term project, written or oral exam.

By examining major elements of John Wesley's theology in his sermons, journals and diaries, this course will explore the heritages of Wesley's/-an theology within the tradition of Reformation theology and recognize the contribution of Wesleyan theology to the development of theology in general. Because Wesley attempted, about 200 years later after Luther and Calvin, to revitalize Reformation theology and overcome its limits in various contexts, both Wesleyan and non-Wesleyan (especially Calvinist) students will have a chance to learn and exercise the traditional theology in the present post-modern world. The course will be in seminar format with lecture input, analysis of readings, student presentation and class discussion. Attention is given to the nuances of the denominations represented by those who enrolled in the course.

Luke's themes of universality and of Christ as savior of the disadvantaged demonstrate God's openness in Christianity to everyone and form the core of Luke's personal portrayal of God's saving action in history and in the world. According to Luke, disciples and "eye-witnesses" of Jesus of Nazareth are characterized by their receptivity towards God's saving activity and their responses and reactions of joy, wonder, praise and blessing to that activity. Special attention will be paid to Luke's presentation of Jesus' proclamation of a liberation which is not limited by ethnic, national, economic or gender concerns. This course will consider Luke's Gospel as a blueprint for contemporary ministry. Weekly assignments, final paper, class preparation and participation. Prerequisite: TSB 1501 (or equivalent).

This course examines the recovery and renewal of Trinitarian doctrine and theology since the turn of the twentieth century with a broad focus upon Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox theologians; the reexamination of the doctrine's sources in Scripture through theological exegesis and current trends in its formulations. The course will proceed along a lecture / discussion format, with readings from relevant literature. Assignments will include short reflection papers and a research paper.

As responsible citizens of the world, ecclesial ministers, religious educators and theologians need to understand religious viewpoints since religious faith is a source of most worldviews, which both shape and are shaped by culture. This course is designed to explore the dialogue between Christianity and other world religions. Given the urgency and universality of threats to environmental well-being, this course will explore dialogue through the relation of religion and ecology. Emphasis will be placed on how the adherents of religious traditions understand themselves and address issues related to ecology and environmental responsibility in our contemporary world.

Afternoon Courses

14:00 to 16:00

This course will engage in theological/biblical reflection on the nature of political economy by attending to themes of covenant, property, stewardship, justice and Kingdom. And we will bring that biblical reflection into dialogue with the work of Christian political economist Bob Goudzwaard. Professor Emeritus of the Free University of Amsterdam, former member of parliament, advisor to political parties, think tanks and NGOs around the world, Goudzwaard has had a profound influence in shaping a Christian political-economic imagination. In this course we will read Goudzwaard's most important books (in translation) and have the opportunity to spend four seminars in conversation with him early in the semester.

Challenges of religious pluralism to Christianity appearing from outside Christianity, and responses to it. How do other world religious traditions think about Christianity or religions for that matter? What are the theoretical problems of religious pluralism and the response to them from within Christianity? Discussions of selected readings and occasional lectures as appropriate.

For final year students, a comprehensive and synthetic review of Roman Catholic doctrine in Systematic Theology. Personal appropriation of the mysteries of faith as well as effective pastoral explanation and communication of these mysteries is also stressed. Seminar presentations and final oral exam.

This course examines various theoretical and practical ethical issues that Christians face in today's changing society, with special emphases on multicultural reality in Canada and the global ecological crisis today. The course consists of four parts: the theoretical foundation for Christian ethical thinking (part 1), social justice issues in Canadian multi-cultural multi-ethnic, and multi-religious society (part 2), ecological crisis and the church's response (part 3), integration (part 4). Lecture and seminar. Minor and major papers, short weekly reading report and group discussion report, and one seminar presentation.

What is knowledge and how do we know? Is it different from belief and is it different from faith? In this course, we discuss the various ways in which people know, from perception to memory to testimony. The objective is understanding of the different categories of belief, and to be able to discuss philosophically the grounds for different types of belief. The course is evaluated through two shorter papers (worth 15 and 25%), one long paper (wroth 45%) and participation (15%).

This course will engage in theological/biblical reflection on the nature of political economy by attending to themes of covenant, property, stewardship, justice and Kingdom. And we will bring that biblical reflection into dialogue with the work of Christian political economist Bob Goudzwaard. Professor Emeritus of the Free University of Amsterdam, former member of parliament, advisor to political parties, think tanks and NGOs around the world, Goudzwaard has had a profound influence in shaping a Christian political-economic imagination. In this course we will read Goudzwaard's most important books (in translation) and have the opportunity to spend four seminars in conversation with him early in the semester.

16:00 to 18:00

Introduction to ancient Greek grammar for the sake of reading the New Testament. The focus will be on basic aspects of ancient Greek grammar and syntax. Weekly class participation, quizzes, final exam.

16:30 to 18:30

This course explores issues in the philosophy of religion, with special reference to The Brothers Karamazov. Major themes include: the existence and nature of God, religious language, religious experience, faith and reason, the problem of evil, religion and morality, and afterlife beliefs. Readings include Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov and selections from theologians and philosophers of religion. Lectures, discussion, participation, and critical reflection papers.

This course explores issues in the philosophy of religion, with special reference to The Brothers Karamazov. Major themes include: the existence and nature of God, religious language, religious experience, faith and reason, the problem of evil, religion and morality, and afterlife beliefs. Readings include Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov and selections from theologians and philosophers of religion. Lectures, discussion, participation, and critical reflection papers.

16:30 to 19:30

This foundational practicum is designed for persons desiring formation in pastoral presence and communication skills. Focus is placed on the development of a contemplative stance, compassionate listening and evocative presence for pastoral service in roles such as spiritual director, chaplain, parish minister, and for those in service within the context of everyday work life. This transformative process integrates topics of Ignatian discernment, prayer, spiritual growth, spirituality, justice, theological assumptions and images of God. This is a two-term, supervised, peer based practicum. Requirements and prerequisites: two year's previous experience receiving spiritual direction, permission of the instructor, regular attendance essential; 3 integration papers; pass/fail. For students considering the 12 credit Diploma in Spiritual Direction, this course is the first of a four-phase Practicum, which facilitates ongoing discernment and formation for the ministry of spiritual direction.

This foundational practicum is designed for persons desiring formation in pastoral presence and communication skills. Focus is placed on the development of a contemplative stance, compassionate listening and evocative presence for pastoral service in roles such as spiritual director, chaplain, parish minister, and for those in service within the context of everyday work life. This transformative process integrates topics of Ignatian discernment, prayer, spiritual growth, spirituality, justice, theological assumptions and images of God. This is a two-term, supervised, peer based practicum. Requirements and prerequisites: two year's previous experience receiving spiritual direction, permission of the instructor, regular attendance essential; 3 10 page integration papers, final grade. For students considering the 12 credit Diploma in Spiritual Direction, this course is the first of a four-phase Practicum, which facilitates ongoing discernment and formation for the ministry of spiritual direction.

19:00 to 21:00

A study of the basis of sexuality and marriage and select related issues in light of the Catholic moral tradition. Readings, lectures, discussions, paper, mid-term test, final exam; the course will also include a limited online component. (Prerequisite: Fundamental Christian Ethics I and II or Permission of Instructor)

This course traces the development of Catholic Social Teaching and action from an historical and theological perspective. A Christian concept of justice will be explored within Biblical and theological contexts. Cultural developments that have impacted, and those that continue to influence, social thought, teaching and action within the Church will be discussed. The primary texts for the course are the social documents of the Church beginning with the Encyclical of Pope Leo X111, Rerum Novarum (1891) and continuing to the present day. Students will become familiar with the content of such documents and they will be encouraged to analyse the theological and social foundations upon which the documents have been developed. Key principles of Catholic Social Teaching will be introduced. The course will also explore the Christian call to justice and ways in which the social teachings of the Church can be integrated into personal spirituality and ministry. To facilitate such integration, examples will be highlighted from the lives of social activists within the Church. Teaching and learning methods will include, lecture, discussion, media and biographical analysis.

Schedule: Monday, 19:00 to 21:00Instructors:Mary RowellTeaching Methods: Lectures Other Information: First Semester · One Credit · Crosslisted to: Theological, BiblicalEnrollment Notes: This is an inter-disciplinary course that is cross-listed to the Biblical, Historical, Pastoral Theology and Theological Departments.

Exploration of Identity, Church, and Society in the context of professional ministry. Elements include: prayer, story, church as a community and institution, the person in society and society in the person. Two short essays, an autobiographical exercise, examination.

19:00 to 22:00

This course will explore the Bible as the ongoing story of and for God and creation, paying special attention to the way in which God's story is intertwined with that of humanity and the world. In asking whether and in what way the Bible is also our story, we will attempt to identify which hermeneutical methods might help us discern its significance for present day life, including the academic enterprise.